Tooth Alignment
BRACES
Braces are an effective way to straighten and align teeth. It is important to have aligned teeth not just for aesthetic purposes, but also because it aids in maintaining of oral hygiene and preventing caries and gum disease, and helps in more efficient chewing. Braces can start as early as 12-14 years old when all your adult teeth have erupted. In some cases, children of younger ages can start early intervention procedures if your dentist sees fit. Adults are also suitable for braces as long as you do not have severe dental conditions such as gum disease. Braces usually span over a course of at least 1.5-2 years, and requires commitment to maintenance of oral hygiene, especially because it becomes more difficult to keep your teeth clean with braces on. To create space for the alignment of your teeth, your dentist may recommend extraction of some teeth, usually premolars and your wisdom teeth. During the initial adjustment you may feel soreness for the first few days as your teeth are beginning to realign and adjust to the tension of the wires and elastics that come with your braces. Braces are effective in correcting severe misalignment and crowding.
Braces are an effective way to straighten and align teeth. It is important to have aligned teeth not just for aesthetic purposes, but also because it aids in maintaining of oral hygiene and preventing caries and gum disease, and helps in more efficient chewing. Braces can start as early as 12-14 years old when all your adult teeth have erupted. In some cases, children of younger ages can start early intervention procedures if your dentist sees fit. Adults are also suitable for braces as long as you do not have severe dental conditions such as gum disease. Braces usually span over a course of at least 1.5-2 years, and requires commitment to maintenance of oral hygiene, especially because it becomes more difficult to keep your teeth clean with braces on. To create space for the alignment of your teeth, your dentist may recommend extraction of some teeth, usually premolars and your wisdom teeth. During the initial adjustment you may feel soreness for the first few days as your teeth are beginning to realign and adjust to the tension of the wires and elastics that come with your braces. Braces are effective in correcting severe misalignment and crowding.
INVISALIGN
Invisalign is an alternative to braces to align teeth. It comes in a form of clear aligners that can be removed daily for eating, drinking and brushing. Clear aligners are more convenient and more comfortable as there are no metal wires and brackets in your mouth. They are also more aesthetic and the aligners are transparent. Generally, you are advised to switch to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks as your teeth moves gradually with each set. During the entire treatment, your dentist will monitor and review your progress regularly. Invisalign usually span over a course of 1 year, and in complex cases, up to 2 years. It is important to note that good oral hygiene is still essential for Invisalign wear and you are encouraged to brush and floss your teeth after every meal prior to wearing your aligners. You should also wear your aligners at least 22 hours daily, except during meals and brushing your teeth, to allow your teeth to move effectively. Do note that there are limitations to Invisalign and for more severe crowding and misalignment of teeth, Invisalign may not be suitable. Do speak to your dental professional to determine which treatment suits you best.
Invisalign is an alternative to braces to align teeth. It comes in a form of clear aligners that can be removed daily for eating, drinking and brushing. Clear aligners are more convenient and more comfortable as there are no metal wires and brackets in your mouth. They are also more aesthetic and the aligners are transparent. Generally, you are advised to switch to a new set of aligners every 2 weeks as your teeth moves gradually with each set. During the entire treatment, your dentist will monitor and review your progress regularly. Invisalign usually span over a course of 1 year, and in complex cases, up to 2 years. It is important to note that good oral hygiene is still essential for Invisalign wear and you are encouraged to brush and floss your teeth after every meal prior to wearing your aligners. You should also wear your aligners at least 22 hours daily, except during meals and brushing your teeth, to allow your teeth to move effectively. Do note that there are limitations to Invisalign and for more severe crowding and misalignment of teeth, Invisalign may not be suitable. Do speak to your dental professional to determine which treatment suits you best.